“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3–5
In the Bible was see different local churches of Jesus helping each other and partnering together for the good of the gospel. The Apostle Paul calls this a gospel partnership. Demonstrations of gospel partnership are generosity, maintaining unity, prayer, and encouraging each other to continue in the faith. But unfortunately, not all churches choose to partner together for the gospel.
The first time I told someone I was moving to Tacoma to plant a church they laughed in my face and asked why. Strangely, it was a local Tacoma pastor. Now, for some people, an experience like that might discourage them, but I could see that God was already at work in Tacoma and I wanted to be a part of it.
Months after that encounter, I attended a regional pastors’ prayer meeting. Pastor Dean Curry of Life Center Tacoma Church was the keynote speaker. During his address he shared with a room full of about 50 pastors that one of the members of his church had come to him concerned that Mars Hill Church was planting in Tacoma. Through tears, Pastor Dean confessed that when he heard that from his church member his heart was broken. Pastor Dean asked the question—how could one of Jesus’ people be concerned that a church was being planted to love Jesus and share the gospel?
He went on to remind everyone that there are over a million people in our area that don’t yet know Jesus and it was going to take many churches being planted in the years ahead to make a difference.
Our friends at Life Center have continued to be incredibly supportive during this journey, not just in word but also in deed. The Apostle Paul thanked God for the church in Philippi for their support and gospel partnership (Phil. 1:3–5). I understand his gratitude for that church and feel the same way about Life Center. They are a blessing from God and true gospel partners with Mars Hill Church.
Pastor Dean invited me to visit his church and meet the Life Center staff. They shared how they appreciated Mars Hill and prayed over me. Shortly thereafter, Pastor Dean had my wife and I over to his home and hosted a dinner party to introduce us to many local leaders. The night ended with Pastor Dean rallying all the local leaders to pray for us and for Mars Hill. Soon after that, Life Center generously contributed financially to the Mars Hill Tacoma building project. And when we experienced the opposition of having one of our local fundraiser events cancelled on us, Life Center graciously opened up their building and personally hosted and sponsored a fundraiser dinner for us. The people of Life Center donated and prepared all of the food, covered all the expenses and served at the event. It turned out to be the biggest fundraising event we had.
Over the past year, Pastor Dean and I have met several times to encourage each other, discuss scripture and pray. Many times he has sent me a text of encouragement or called just to let me know they love us and are praying for us. In times when many are against Christianity and the advancement of the gospel, it is wonderful to have gospel partnerships like Life Center.
Life Center, thank you for your friendship and gospel partnership! We are so grateful for you!
